Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 28, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve Renewal Contract for Catapult Learning to Provide Client Services for the Title I Part A, Private School Reading and Math Program (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Title 1 Program has, for the past six years, employed Catapult Learning (formerly Sylvan Education Solutions) to provide third party remedial reading and mathematics services. Providing equitable services to eligible students in private schools is a requirement of the No Child Left Behind federal law. During the 2009/10 school year, 26 eligible private schools will participate in the district’s Title I program, which will serve approximately 700 students. The amount of funds to be approved will not exceed $1,700,000. These funds will address instructional costs, along with required set aside and equitable share activities such as staff development and parent involvement.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

* Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

This item is included in Special Revenue funds in an amount not to exceed $1,294,025.60 in Title I, Part A funds and $405,974.40 in Title I ARRA funds for a one-year period.

EVALUATION

The most recent evaluation completed for the Title I private school program revealed that students being served through the district’s program were making statistically significant academic improvements in reading and math. At the conclusion of the 2009/10 school year, a complete program evaluation will be conducted once again. Student achievement data, as well as survey results from principals, teachers and parents will be used to determine overall program effectiveness. The results of this evaluation will be shared with the provider and be a critical factor when the district determines contract renewal and any future contract awards.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, General Director, Federal Programs

Gwendolyn Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.17
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090728_357 * Section A Item# 5.17